Pakistan’s Sanejiko refinery company increases crude oil imports from the United States following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz route.

Reuters reported that the company is reviewing spot purchases and long-term oil supply contracts and may use financing facilities proposed by Bank Saderat and U.S. imports to finance trade.

Asama Qarishi, vice president of Sanejiko, said it has announced a $1.2 billion program for refinery development, which also includes construction of the second set of single-point mooring facilities.

After the Strait of Hormuz was closed and the Houthis announced a ban on Saudi oil exports from the Bab al-Mandab, Pakistan went in search of alternative sources outside the Persian Gulf. Accordingly, Pakistan’s petroleum minister, at an emergency meeting with refinery managers, instructed them to immediately identify alternative sources.